Montessori Online Language Course: English Reading Strategies (Grade 8)
Master vital English reading strategy skills in 5 weeks! We identify main ideas, make inferences, and analyze texts through influential genres and texts. Improve their Middle School English Reading Skills. Certified Montessori learning.
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
includedAssessment
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8
In the grade 8 reading strategies class, students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of critical reading skills designed to deepen their understanding and interpretation of various types of texts. The class aims to provide students with essential skills to comprehend, analyze, and interpret a wide range of texts critically. By mastering reading strategies and engaging in meaningful discussions and activities, students will develop the confidence and proficiency to navigate complex texts and become more thoughtful and discerning readers and writers. We are proud to be the first and only accredited Montessori school on the Outschool platform, featuring certified teachers who bring their expertise from our brick-and-mortar school located in Ontario, Canada. Topics covered include: Main Idea, Author's Purpose, Tone, and Theme: Students will learn to identify the main idea or central message of a text, discerning the author's purpose (persuade, inform, entertain) and tone (attitude toward the subject). They will explore how these elements contribute to developing themes—underlying messages or lessons conveyed by the text. Point of View and Text Structure: Understanding different points of view (first-person, third-person) and text structures (chronological, cause and effect, problem-solution) will be emphasized. Students will analyze how these choices influence the presentation and organization of information in both literary and informational texts. Literary Devices: Students will study various literary devices (metaphor, simile, symbolism, imagery, foreshadowing) used by authors to create meaning and enhance their writing. They will practice identifying these devices within texts and analyzing their impact on the overall narrative or descriptive quality. Analyzing Literature and Visual Elements: This topic involves examining how visual elements (illustrations, graphs, photographs) contribute to the understanding and interpretation of informational texts. Students will also analyze literary works (novels, short stories, poems) focusing on elements such as character development, plot structure, setting, and the use of figurative language. Analyzing Informational Texts and Comparing Texts: Students will learn strategies for analyzing informational texts (articles, essays, textbooks) to identify key information, evaluate sources, and distinguish between fact and opinion. They will also compare texts on similar topics to identify similarities, differences, and varying perspectives, developing critical thinking skills. Class Structure: The class is structured to incorporate a variety of instructional methods. Each topic will be introduced with clear objectives and essential questions to guide learning, engaging discussions and activities will be provided to encourage students to share their interpretations and perspectives. close reading exercises will take place where we will analyze excerpts or complete texts to practice identifying key elements in collaborative literature circles. My teaching method is student-centered, fostering a supportive environment that encourages exploration and critical thinking. I will demonstrate and model examples of how to apply reading strategies effectively, offer structured activities and exercises to reinforce skills and concepts, encourage students to articulate their ideas and interpretations through guided discussions, and provide constructive feedback on assignments to support student growth and improvement. I employ a blend of direct instruction, collaborative learning, and inquiry-based exploration. I encourage active participation and empower students to take ownership of their learning. I aim to create a positive learning atmosphere that motivates students to engage with the material and provide encouragement and support to help students build confidence in their reading and analytical skills. Students will have ample opportunities to interact with me through various activities, classroom discussions, feedback sessions, and anytime they need to interact with me.
Learning Goals
Students will learn to analyze texts to determine the author's purpose, whether it is to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. They will learn to examine language choices, evidence, and structure to infer the author's intent.
Students will improve in identifying literary devices. They will become confident in identifying literary devices and discussing their effects on characterization, plot development, and theme.
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Main idea, Authors purpose and tone, and Theme
Students will delve into the core components of understanding texts deeply. They will learn to identify the main idea—central concepts or arguments—within various passages and texts. Students will also explore how authors convey their purpose and tone—whether it's to inform, persuade, entertain, or provoke emotions—and how these elements influence the overall theme, which encapsulates the central message or lesson of a text.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Point of View and Text Structure
Understanding point of view (first-person and third-person limited) and text structure (chronological, cause and effect, problem-solution) will be emphasized. Students will analyze how the perspective from which a story is told affects their understanding and interpretation. They will also examine how different organizational structures impact the flow and clarity of informational and narrative texts.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Literary Devices
Students will explore literary devices—such as metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing—that authors use to enhance meaning and create depth in literature. They will learn to identify these devices within texts and analyze how their use contributes to the overall effectiveness of the writing.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Analyzing literature and Visual elements
This topic involves examining how visual elements—such as illustrations, graphs, charts, and photographs—enhance or clarify information in informational texts. Students will also analyze literary works, including novels, short stories, and poems, focusing on character development, plot structure, setting, and the use of figurative language to deepen their understanding and appreciation of literature.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
A weekly material list will be provided to you prior to class, in preparation for the following week of classes. Learners are responsible for having the listed materials on hand and printed worksheets ready. If learners are missing a material, alternative suggestions can be provided. Classes will typically require commonly found household items or stationary such as: pencil, eraser, highlighter, scissors, stapler, glue etc.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Accounting from University of Waterloo
Master's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Bangalore University
7 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Art and Design from Ocad university
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from University of Waterloo
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Ottawa
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Carleton University
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce from University of Guelph
Bachelor's Degree in Education from York University
Bachelor's Degree from McMaster University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brock University
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from York University
1 teacher has an Associate's degree
Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Centennial College
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Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly or $90 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-14
2-6 learners per class